Babar Azam Dropped as Pakistan Announces ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, omitting former captain Babar Azam from the lineup. The decision comes despite Babar's recent unbeaten century against Sri Lanka in November, where he scored 102 runs.

Babar Azam's exclusion follows a challenging performance at the recent Twenty20 World Cup, where he managed only 91 runs across four innings. Pakistan was eliminated at the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as captain for the three-match ODI series, which is scheduled to begin next week in Dhaka. The squad features a mix of experienced players and new talent, with six uncapped players receiving call-ups. Among the newcomers are Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain, all of whom previously played against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi before that series was halted due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The full squad as announced by the PCB includes: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim, Saad Masood, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Usama Mir.

The selection committee has opted to provide opportunities to emerging players, while experienced members such as Babar Azam have been left out for this series. The reasons for Babar's omission have not been detailed beyond his recent form in the T20 World Cup.

The ODI series against Bangladesh is set to commence next week in Dhaka, with the Pakistan team preparing to test a refreshed lineup under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi.